Methods and apparatus for playing baseball gambling games

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses casino baseball gambling games played on electronic video gaming devices including a microprocessor, computer memory chips, programming software or firmware, a video display, control input buttons, and a coin acceptor. In a first embodiment of the invention, multiple players make wagers and compete against each other to win a pot formed by player wagers by scoring the greatest amount of runs in an allotted number of innings of play. Player scores are determined by various simulated &#34;at bat&#34; events such as singles, doubles, strike outs, steals, bunts, and home runs, which occur under program control based upon probabilities for the actual &#34;at bat&#34; events derived from major league baseball statistics. Preferably, players are afforded an option at an intermediate step in game play, after a first one-half inning, to either drop out and forfeit their initial wager, or to continue play by placing a second wager. In a second embodiment, an electronic video slot type machine intended for play by a single player, or by multiple players taking turns in succession, operates under program control to display baseball &#34;at bat&#34; events, associated odds, and separate wagering options on first and second portions of a video display. The second portion of the video display provides an optional &#34;home run&#34; attempt and associated wager which does not affect play of the game on the first display portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to casino gambling games, and moreparticularly pertains to methods and apparatus for playing baseballgambling games using electronic video "slot" machines of the typeconventionally employed in casinos to enable casino patrons to playvideo poker.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Casinos conventionally employ electronic video gaming devices to enablecasino patrons to play a gambling game known as video poker. Theseconventional video "slot" machines employ a microprocessor incombination with computer memory chips, appropriate programming softwareor firmware, a video display, control input buttons, and a coin acceptorto provide a simulation of a poker game in which video cardrepresentations "dealt" by a computer replace actual playing cards. Inuse, a player employs the coin acceptor and the various control inputbuttons to place wagers, discard, and draw additional cards, dependingupon the particular rules of play reflected in the software or firmware.

The prior art also includes computer software games intended foramusement which simulate the play of baseball, football, basketball, andgolf games on the video display of a personal computer by producingvideo representations of players under computer program control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses casino baseball gambling games played onelectronic video gaming devices including a microprocessor, computermemory chips, programming software or firmware, a video display, controlinput buttons, and a coin acceptor. In a first embodiment of theinvention, multiple players make wagers and compete against each otherto win a pot formed by player wagers by scoring the greatest amount ofruns in an allotted number of innings of play. Player scores aredetermined by various simulated "at bat" events such as singles,doubles, strike outs, steals, bunts, etc., which occur under programcontrol based upon probabilities for the actual "at bat" events derivedfrom major league baseball statistics. Preferably, players are affordedan option at an intermediate step in game play, after a first "at bat",to either drop out and forfeit their initial wager, or to continue playby placing a second wager. In a second embodiment, an electronic videoslot type machine intended for play by a single player, or by multipleplayers in succession, operates under program control to displaybaseball "at bat" events, associated odds, and separate wagering optionson first and second portions of a video display. In use, a player placesa first wager and pushes a start button to simulate baseball "at bat"events for a first batter under program control on the first portion ofthe video display. After determination of the results for the firstbatter, the player is afforded an option to attempt a "home run" byplacing an additional optional wager associated with the second portionof the video display. Results of the wagers and "home run" attemptsassociated with the second portion of the video display do not affect inany way play of the game on the first portion of the video display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a video display of a baseballgambling game according to a first embodiment of the inventionillustrating example game conditions at the beginning of a first inningof play.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a video display of a baseballgambling game according to a first embodiment of the inventionillustrating example game conditions at the end of a first inning ofplay.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a video display of a baseballgambling game according to a first embodiment of the inventionillustrating example game conditions at the beginning of a second inningof play.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a video display of a baseballgambling game according to a first embodiment o f the inventionillustrating example game conditions at the end of a second inning ofplay.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a casino gaming table includinga plurality of video displays, coin acceptors, and control input buttonsto enable a plurality of players to simultaneously play a baseballgambling game according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps in the method of playing abaseball gambling game according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the face of an electronicvideo gaming device for playing a baseball gambling game according to asecond preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps in the method of playing abaseball gambling game according to a first embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views, and referring inparticular to FIGS. 1-6, methods and apparatus for playing a baseballgambling game according to an example first preferred embodiment of theinvention will now be described.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate diagrammatic representations of a videodisplay of an electronic gaming device of the type including amicroprocessor in combination with computer memory chips, appropriateprogramming software or firmware, a video display, control inputbuttons, and a coin or token acceptor. The construction and manner ofprogramming of these conventional electronic gaming devices is generallywell-known, and devices of this type are manufactured by Bally's andInternational Gaming Technology. Pursuant to the present invention,generally conventional electronic gaming devices of this type areprovided with suitable computer programming software or so-calledfirmware comprising program control instructions stored on a ROM (readonly memory) type chip.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the program control instructions inconjunction with the hardware comprising the electronic gaming deviceare operative to produce a display on the video display portion of theelectronic gaming device 10 indicating game conditions of the baseballgambling game according to the present invention.

While the particular graphical display format may take a wide variety offorms without departing from the scope of the present invention, thedisplay preferably includes a game status zone or region 12 for thedisplay of indicia 13 indicating the inning of play and the playernumber currently at bat. The video display 10 preferably also includescolumnar regions 14, 16, and 18 for the display of text and/or graphicalindicia indicating wager, winnings, and scoring information for aplurality of different players. Alternatively, the game may be designedas a single player game, in which case the display 10 will displayinformation only pertaining to a single player. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, three different players, respectivelydesignated with the numbers 1, 2, and 3, are participating in the game.A horizontally extending row 20 contains indicia designating the currentgame scores of each of the three players. A second region 22 in each ofthe three columns 14, 16, and 18 bears indicia indicating the number ofouts, runs, and wagers placed by each of the three players. Anadditional indicia region 24 of each of the columns 14, 16, and 18disposed immediately below the regions 22 preferably contains agraphical representation 26 of a baseball diamond. As shown, for examplein FIG. 2, the region 26 preferably also possesses the capability fordisplaying graphical representations of baseball players 27 indicatingmen on base and runs scored. If desired, the game may include complexgraphical representations of an entire baseball park, fans, a dugout,and entire team in the field, etc., in order to provide more realism andenhanced entertainment to game players.

An additional region 28 disposed below the graphical representationregion 26 contains status information for each of the three playersindicating the number of men on base and the number of outs in aparticular turn at bat. A lower region 30 of each of the three columns14, 16, and 18 contains an event listing which contains a list insequential order of wagers placed and at bat events of a particularplayer associated with a turn at bat.

FIGS. 1. through 4 sequentially illustrate successive stages in anexample game pursuant to the first embodiment of the present invention,in which three players participate against each other. With reference toFIG. 1, each of the three players has placed an initial $5.00 wager toform a pot. In connection with receiving the wagers, a suitable token orcoin acceptor of the type employed in video poker games and slotmachines may be provided. In FIG. 1, Player No. 1 is up at bat, afterplacement of the initial wagers, at the initiation of the first inningof play.

FIG. 2 illustrates the indicia displayed on the computer video display10 after an example first one-half inning of play. The game statusdepicted in FIG. 2 resulted from the following events. Player No. 1placed an initial $5.00 wager, and took an initial turn at bat. Theevents associated with the Player No. 1 turn at bat are illustrated incolumn 14 in the horizontal row region 30. The listed at bat events arepreferably generated by a microprocessor under suitable program control,preferably in accordance with the corresponding statistics for at batevents derived from the actual statistics associated with the play ofmajor league baseball. As can be readily appreciated, the various at-batevents may be illustrated simply, or in great detail in the graphicalrepresentation region 26. Additionally, due to the computer programimplementation and control of the game steps, the various at bat eventsare generated with extreme rapidity so as to create an exciting and fastpaced game. In the initial turn at bat, Player No. 1, initially groundedout to first base, hit a single to right field, grounded out to thepitcher, singled to right field, resulting in the score of one run.Player No. 1 then singled to center field and grounded out to thepitcher, who threw the ball to the first baseman, resulting in the thirdout. As a result of the first at bat, the Player No. 1 scored one run.

Either simultaneously with the at bat events generated for Player No. 1,or in succession thereafter, the microprocessor under program controlinstructions also generated at bat events for Player No. 2 displayed inregion 30 of column 16. Player No. 2 fouled out to center field, thengrounded out to first base, and then struck out, resulting in no runsscored and three outs to end the turn at bat.

In a similar manner, either simultaneous with, or sequentially after theat bat one-half innings simulated for Player No. 1 and Player No. 2, themicroprocessor under program control instructions generated at batevents for Player No. 3 listed in the horizontal region 30 of columnnumber 18. Player No. 3 initially fouled out to center field, walked,popped out to second base, walked, tripled to left field, resulting intwo runs scored. Player No. 3 then hit a fly out to center field for thethird out, leaving a man stranded on base. After the conclusion of thefirst half-inning of play, Player No. 3 had three runs graphicallyrepresented in the region 26 of column 18. Player No. 2 had no runs, andPlayer No. 1 had a single run also graphically represented by the humanfigure indicia 27 appearing at the home base portion of the graphicalrepresentation of a baseball diamond in the region 26 of column 14.

After completion of the first one-half inning of play, indicia in theregion 12 of the video display 10 indicates the amount of the pot at$15.00, and offers each of the three players an opportunity to eitherbet to continue play of the game, or to forfeit or surrender the initial$5.00 wager and drop out of the game.

At the beginning of the next stage of play at the beginning of thesecond one-half inning, the video display 10 illustrates game conditionsas shown in Figure No. 3. Each of the three players has opted to placethe second $5.00 wager to continue play, as shown in the horizontal rowregion 22 indicating that each player has now placed total wagers in theamount of $10.00. Player No. 1 is up at bat, and the game stands in acondition prior to the computer generation of at bat events to determineplayer scoring.

FIG. 4 illustrates game conditions after the computer generatedsimulation of at bat events for each of the three players, with theexample result indicating that Player No. 3 scored a total of four runs,Player No. 2 scored zero runs, and Player No. 1 scored a single run. Asa result, Player No. 3 has the highest total of runs, and wins theaccumulated $30.00 pot.

During the course of any particular at bat, the game may, underappropriate program control instructions, provide the players withoptions to steal, or options to bunt, when appropriate game conditionsarise as the result of previously computer generated at bat events. Forexample, in the event that a player hits a single and has a man on base,the player may be afforded an option to steal a base by the display ofindicia 31. Alternatively, in particular appropriate game conditions, aplayer may be afforded an opportunity to attempt a bunt, by the displayof indicia 32. A Player may opt to attempt to steal or bunt bymanipulation of appropriate game control input buttons. Alternatively,the video display 10 may include touch screen technology such that aplayer may make control inputs by merely touching designated portions ofthe video display screen.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the at bat events, such assingles, doubles, triples, walks, strike-outs, etc., as well as theresults of steal and bunt attempts, are derived under suitable computerprogram control instructions stored in firmware which have been derivedfrom the results of the statistics associated with the actual play ofmajor league baseball. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, theactual at bat events of a particular swing by any player are derived byweighted probabilities determined with reference to a probabilitiesdatabase, correlated with the number of outs, and men on base dependentupon the game condition of a particular player. Optionally, at batevents may also be weighted to reflect variations in major leaguebaseball statistics corresponding to the different current runs scoredconditions of each player.

Table No. 1 below reflects the preferred odds of scoring one, two, andthree runs in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

                  TABLE NO. 1                                                     ______________________________________                                        Runs Scored         Odds                                                      ______________________________________                                        One Run             12 to 5 against                                           Two Runs            4 to 1 against                                            Three Runs          6 to 1 against                                            ______________________________________                                    

Table No. 2 provides information respecting game status situations inwhich steal or bunt options are preferably provided to a player.

                  TABLE NO. 2                                                     ______________________________________                                        Successful Bunt                                                                              70% for the player                                             Successful Steal                                                                             60% for the player                                             ______________________________________                                    

As shown in FIG. 5, a gaming table 100 for use in playing the baseballgame according to the first embodiment of the invention describedpreviously in connection with FIGS. 1-4, includes a plurality of videodisplays 110, 120, 130, 140, and 160, disposed, respectively, at playerlocations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 spaced evenly about the periphery of ahexagonal table. Each of the six player locations includes a coinacceptor 180, a BET input control button 200, a FOLD input controlbuttor. 220, a STEAL control input button 230, and a BUNT control inputbutton 240. In addition to the six individual video displays 110, 120,130, 140, 150, and 160 which contain game and player status informationpertaining to each of the individual players, the table 100 alsopreferably includes a central video display 170, disposed so as to beeasily viewed by each of the six players at the table 100, whichcontains indicia representative of the amount wagered and the scoringsummary information with respect to each of the game players. Theindividual video displays, as well as the central video display 170, maybe disposed flush with the surface of a table 100, or may alternativelybe suitably inclined to enhance the viewing thereof.

During the play of the baseball gambling game according to the firstembodiment of the invention on the gaming table 100, a computer 250connected in a network fashion to each of the six individual videodisplays as well as the central video display 170, operates underappropriate computer program control instructions, and in accordancewith player wager and control inputs, to preferably simultaneouslysimulate at bat events and scoring for each of the six game players.Thus, the gaming table 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 allows a plurality ofplayers to compete against one another in a fast paced and excitinggambling game based upon the popular national sport of baseball. Toenhance game appeal and player excitement, the game may also includespeakers, sound cards, and appropriate program control instructions forgenerating appropriate sounds depending upon various game conditions orat bat events. For example, when a player hits a home run, the computer250 may generate the roar of a crowd and the voice of an announcerindicating the home run.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating the method of play of thebaseball gambling game according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. Each player initially places a wager to form a pot. In thenext step, the players, under computer program control, simulate,according to statistics preferably derived from actual major leaguebaseball statistics, play of one-half inning, or one turn at bat, ofbaseball and attempt to accumulate a winning score by scoring thegreatest number of runs. After completion of the first turn at bat, eachplayer is given the option to place an additional wager, or to drop outof the game and forfeit or surrender their initial wager. Pursuant tocomputer program control, the players opting to place the additionalwager then each simulate play of another one-half inning, or turn atbat, of baseball, and attempt to accumulate additional scores or runs.Play may continue in this manner for any desired number of turns at bat,at which time the computer, under program control instructions,automatically compares the player scores. In the event of a tie scorebetween two or more players, the players having the highest tied scoresplay a sudden death extra one-half inning or turn at bat, with the firstplayer to score designated as the winning player. In the event of a tie,the contestants only have to place an ante wager for three rounds afterthe tie is established. If the tie persists after three rounds, nofurther ante wagers are required. At the conclusion at each round ofplay, the player having the highest score is designated as the winningplayer and awarded the pot.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the present inventionillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, an electronic video type gaming device ofthe type employed in conventional video slot machines and video pokermachines and including a microprocessor, computer memory chips, a coinacceptor, a video display, and appropriate computer program controlinstructions preferably embedded in firmware on a ROM, provides a singleplayer stand alone electronic casino gambling device for play of asimulated baseball gambling game.

With reference to FIG. 7, the electronic video gaming device 300according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention includes avideo display having regions 310 on the left, and 320 on the right,which, under operation of computer program control instructions, displayindicia corresponding to first and second components of a baseballgambling game.

The left hand portion 310 of the video display screen includes acolumnar region 340 indicating the number of runs scored by a player,with a second columnar region 350 indicating the corresponding payoffodds. The particular payoff odds shown in column 350 are for examplepurposes only, and the actual odds associated with the game may varywithin the scope of the present invention. The first video displayportion 310 includes indicia 360 designating the current number of coinswagered by a player, which preferably ranges from one to fivepermissible tokens wagered. The first region 310 may also includeindicia 370 representative of the accumulated number of token creditscurrently held by a player. Additional indicia 390 and 400 on the firstvideo display portion 310 designates the current game status conditions,and in particular, indicates the number of outs, and the number of runsscored. Additional indicia regions 410 and 420 are selectively operable,under computer program control instructions, to display a BUNT option410, and a STEAL option 420, in appropriate game conditions. Forexample, the player may be afforded a STEAL option after havingpreviously hit a single with a man on first base. The left hand or firstportion 310 of the video display also preferably includes a graphicalrepresentation 430 of a baseball diamond, including a particular playerthen at bat, as well as a representation of the nine members of theopposing team in the field. Preferably, the graphical representation 430realistically depicts the players, a player swinging the bat, as well asthe movement of the ball and players dependent upon realisticoccurrences of at bat events. To further enhance player excitement andthe entertainment value of the game, the gaming device 300 may includesuitable speakers and sound cards for producing realistic game sounds,such as crowd cheering, and the crack of the bat when a player makes ahit.

A control panel portion 440 of the electronic video gaming device 300includes a START button 450 for the first component of the gamedesignated on the left hand portion 310 of the video display, BUNTcontrol input button 460 for use in accepting a BUNT option, and a STEALcontrol input button 470 for use in accepting a STEAL option. A righthand portion of the control panel 440 includes a START button 480 foruse in connection with the second component of the game designated onthe right hand portion 320 of the video display, as well as a CASHOUTbutton 490 for use by a player in obtaining a payout in coins or tokenscorresponding to the value of the accumulated credits. The device 300also includes a conventional coin acceptor 500 for player use indepositing coins or tokens in order to place wagers associated with thegame and to accumulate credits for future wagers.

In the manner of play of the game, a player first places a wager fromone to five coins or tokens in connection with the first component ofthe game indicated on the left hand screen portion 310, and then pressesthe start button 450 to initiate play. The game then simulates a firstbatter's at bat result according to computer program controlinstructions, graphically displays the selected at bat event on thegraphical display 430, and indicates the results by appropriate displayof indicia in regions 360, 370, 380, 390, and 400.

After the first batter's result is determined, preferably pursuant toprobabilities derived from statistics resulting in a payout for thedevice in the range of 90 to 95% of coin in, the right hand portion ofthe video display 320 preferably flashes the appropriate MEN ON BASEindicia, either NONE, ONE, TWO, or THREE, depending upon the firstbatter's result on the first component of the game depicted on the firstportion 310 of the video display. The player then has the option toagain bet from one to five coins or tokens, and receives a payoff amountaccording to the corresponding payoff odds indicated in the column 520.According to a currently most preferred version of the game, the MEN ONBASE indicia for the right hand portion of the video display 320 mayflash at any time a player scores one, two, or three runs with a singlepush of the start button 450 for the first component of the game. Byproviding the option to participate in the second component of the game,after the scoring of a run for the first component of the game, ratherthan after the third out for the first component, the game provides agreater incentive for a player to participate in the second component ofthe game. It should be appreciated that the actual payoff odds may varysubstantially from the example payoff odds illustrated in column 520 inFIG. 7. Indicia 530 and 540 designate the player's current wager, fromone to five tokens, as well as the player accumulated credits. Theplayer may optionally select to play the second component of the gameassociated with the video display region 320 by placing the wager fromone to five coins or tokens and depressing the START button 480, or mayalternatively decline the option to participate in the second componentof the game by placing a wager and depressing the START button 450 forthe first component of the game. In the event that the player elects toparticipate in the second portion of the game associated with the videodisplay region 320, then the computer microprocessor will determinewhether or not the player hits a simulated home run in the secondcomponent of the game, and provide an appropriate payoff pursuant to theodds associated with columns 510 and 520.

The gaming device 300 also preferably includes suitable speakers andsound processing card components to produce a sound associated with theplayer's result on the second component of the game, for example, thegame may produce the sound "GOING, GOING, GONE", when a playersuccessfully hits a home run. The game associated with the secondcomponent of the game permits a player to either hit a home run or not,no other scoring options are available. In contrast, the game associatedwith the first component of the game displayed on the video displayregion 310 permits a players to score by a combination of walks,singles, doubles, triples, and stolen bases, but does not permit homeruns.

The success of a home run attempt in the second component of the gameassociated with the video display region 320 has no effect on theplayer's final score on the first component of the game associated withthe video display region 310. If the player fails to hit a home run inthe second component of the game, he is not penalized with an out inconnection with the first component of the game, and the first componentof the game then continues on the video display region 310. When thenext batter comes up, his result is again determined under computercontrol instructions and indicated graphically in the display region430, the player again has the option of placing a wager to participatein the second component of the game associated with the video displayregion 320. The option to participate in the home run or secondcomponent of the game associated with the video display region 320occurs after every batter comes to the plate on the game associated withthe first component of the game indicated on the video display region310. Even if a player does not score a run in the first component of thegame, the player may still have the opportunity to win in connectionwith the second component of the game by hitting a home run.Accordingly, the wagers and payoff amounts are separately andindependently determined for each of the first and second components ofthe games, with the exception that the current men on base situation inthe first component of the game determines the particular odds in playassociated with columns 510 and 520 for the second component of thegame.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of one example method of play of thebaseball gambling game according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention previously described in connection with FIG. 7. While theembodiment of the game illustrated and described in connection withFIGS. 7 and 8 is preferably employed as a single player game, it mayalso permit multiple players to compete by placing in succession orthrough the linking of a plurality of machines.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters ofmaterials, shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles ofthe invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaningof the terms in which the appended claims are expressed, and reasonableequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a baseball gambling game onan electronic gaming device, comprising the steps of:affording at leastone player an opportunity to place an initial wager to participate inthe game; simulating at least one turn at bat by displayingrepresentations of at bat events of a baseball game on a video displayselected under computer program control; totalling points earned by saidat least one player corresponding to runs scored during said simulatedat least one turn at bat; determining whether said at least one playeris a winning player by evaluating total points earned by said at leastone player pursuant to predetermined criteria; and awarding a prize tosaid at least one player if said player is determined to be a winningplayer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of simulating atleast one turn at bat comprises simulating at least one-half inning of abaseball game.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of simulatingat least one turn at bat comprises generating at bat events undercomputer program control corresponding to the probability of occurrenceof said at bat events derived from major league baseball statistics. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said at bat events potentially selectedunder computer program control include singles, doubles, triples, homeruns, walks, strikeouts, bunts, steals, double plays, sacrifice flies,and caught balls.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof, after said step of simulating said at least one turn at bat,affording said at least one player an option either to drop out of thegame and surrender said initial wager, or to place an additionalwager-and continue game play.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising the step of affording at least one more turn at bat to eachplayer placing said additional wager.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinat least two players form a pot by placing said initial wagers, and saidprize comprises at least a portion of said pot.
 8. The method of claim7, further comprising the step of breaking a tie in point total scoresbetween said two players after said at least one turn at bat bysimulating additional turns at bat for each player and designating thefirst player to score as the winning player.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of providing a plurality of electronicallyinterlinked electronic gaming devices and affording a plurality ofplayers an opportunity to compete against each other using saidinterlinked electronic gaming devices.
 10. A method of playing abaseball gambling game on an electronic gaming device, comprising thesteps of:affording at least one player an opportunity to place a firstwager to participate in a first component of the game; simulating atleast one turn at bat for said first component of said game bydisplaying representations of at bat events of a baseball game on avideo display selected under computer program control; totalling pointsearned by said at least one player in said first component of said gamecorresponding to runs scored during said simulated at least one turn atbat; determining whether said at least one player is a winning playerfor said first component of said game by evaluating total points earnedby said at least one player pursuant to predetermined criteria; awardinga prize for said first component of said game to said at least oneplayer if said player is determined to be a winning player; affordingsaid at least one player an option to participate in a second componentof said game by placing a second wager after simulation of said at leastone turn at bat for said first component of said game; simulating atleast one attempt to hit a home run under computer program control forsaid second component of said game; and awarding said at least oneplayer a prize for said second component of said game if said playerhits a simulated home run.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising the step of determining the value of the prize for saidsecond component of said game dependent on game conditions in said firstcomponent of said game.
 12. An electronic gaming device for playing abaseball gambling game, comprising:means for affording at least oneplayer an opportunity to place an initial wager to participate in thegame; means for simulating at least one turn at bat by displayingrepresentations of at bat events of a baseball game on a video displayselected under computer program control; means for totalling pointsearned by said at least one player corresponding to runs scored duringsaid simulated at least one turn at bat; means for determining whethersaid at least one player is a winning player by evaluating total pointsearned by said at least one player pursuant to predetermined criteria;and means for awarding a prize to said at least one player if saidplayer is determined to be a winning player.
 13. The device of claim 12,further comprising means for generating at bat events under computerprogram control corresponding to the probability of occurrence of saidat bat events derived from major league baseball statistics.
 14. Thedevice of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of electronicallyinterlinked electronic gaming devices and means for affording aplurality of players an opportunity to compete against each other usingsaid interlinked electronic gaming devices.
 15. An electronic gamingdevice for playing a baseball gambling game, comprising:means foraffording at least one player an opportunity to place a first wager toparticipate in a first component of the game; means for simulating atleast one turn at bat for said first component of said game bydisplaying representations of at bat events of a baseball game on avideo display selected under computer program control; means fortotalling points earned by said at least one player in said firstcomponent of said game corresponding to runs scored during saidsimulated at least one turn at bat; means for determining whether saidat least one player is a winning player for said first component of saidgame by evaluating total points earned by said at least one playerpursuant to predetermined criteria; means for awarding a prize for saidfirst component of said game to said at least one player if said playeris determined to be a winning player; means for affording said at leastone player an option to participate in a second component of said gameby placing a second wager after simulation of said at least one turn atbat for said first component of said game; means for simulating at leastone attempt to hit a home run under computer program control for saidsecond component of said game; and means for awarding said at least oneplayer a prize for said second component of said game if said playerhits a simulated home run.
 16. The device of claim 15, furthercomprising means for determining the value of the prize for said secondcomponent of said game dependent on game conditions in said firstcomponent of said game.